Oana Ban Update

The two Santas have been generous when it came to giving gifts to Oana Mihaela Ban, the girl who brought gymnastics back to the forefront of the Cluj sports scene. Saint Nicholas [according to Romanian tradition, kids also receive presents, mostly candy, on St. Nicholas day, December 6th] brought her the longest vacation she’s had since she went to Deva –a whole week off- and Santa Claus gave her a promotion to the “golden” team, better known as the senior national team. Oana is now training alongside Andreea Raducan, Silvia Stroescu, Sabina Cojocar, Andreea Ulmeanu, Loredana Boboc, Carmen Ionescu, Monica Sabau and Ioana Petrovschi. She will turn 16 on January 11 2002, thus becoming eligible for senior competitions, such as the World and European Championships, which will be held next year. Oana joined the training sessions of coaches Octavian Belu, Mariana Bitang, Lucian Sandu and Benone Pereteanu.

She will spend Christmas and New Year’s at Poiana Brasov, where the senior and junior national teams have been training since last week. “For now, we only have two training sessions a day. In the morning, we run for 90 minutes on the ski slopes, but also through the snow, which comes up to our knees in some places. In the afternoon, we do strength training in the gym,” said Oana in a telephone interview. She said she is eagerly awaiting her Christmas presents, but she is very happy with what she got so far. “First of all, I just wish for health, for myself and everyone close to me. Obviously, I’d like to take part, and if at all possible win a medal at the European Championships, which will be held next April.” Andreea Raducan and Silvia Stroescu are expected to arrive at Poiana Brasov on New Year’s day, since they were the only gymnasts allowed to go back home for Christmas. The gymnasts will stay at Poiana Brasov until January 3, 2002, when they will return to Deva and continue training.

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